Spectacle lens and method for producing a spectacle lens

ABSTRACT

A spectacle lens, which is manufactured by additive manufacturing, includes interspersing first volume elements and second volume elements. The first and second volume elements are arranged on the grid points of a geometric grid to form a first sub-grid and a second sub-grid, respectively. The first sub-grid forms the first part of the spectacle lens having a dioptric effect for vision for a first object distance and the second sub-grid forms the second part of the spectacle lens having a dioptric effect for vision for a second object distance, which differs from the first object distance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of United States patentapplication publication 2019/0146242 A1, filed Jan. 16, 2019, which is acontinuation of International application PCT/EP2017/068241, filed Jul.19, 2017, which claims priority to European patent application EP16180167.5, filed on Jul. 19, 2016, all of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to spectacle lenses having a first partial gridand a second partial grid penetrating each other, and a method forproducing a spectacle lens having a first partial grid and a secondpartial grid, such that the partial grids penetrate each other.

BACKGROUND

Spectacle lenses are known in many variations from the related art.There are spectacle lenses without nominal dioptric power and correctionspectacle lenses, that is to say spectacle lenses having dioptric power.Dioptric power is the collective term for the focusing and the prismaticpower of a spectacle lens.

In the case of correction spectacle lenses, a distinction is drawnbetween single-vision spectacle lenses and multifocal spectacle lenses.A single-vision spectacle lens is a spectacle lens in which only onedioptric power is present in respect of the design. A multifocalspectacle lens is a spectacle lens in which two or more visiblydifferent parts having different focusing powers are present in respectof the design. Importance is attached in particular to bifocal spectaclelenses, namely multifocal spectacle lenses comprising two parts, usuallyfor distance vision and near vision, and to varifocal spectacle lenses,namely spectacle lenses comprising at least one progressive surface andan increasing (positive) power when the wearer of the spectacles looksdown. Degressive spectacle lenses are uncommon, i.e., spectacle lensescomprising at least one progressive surface and a decreasing power (i.e.an attenuation of the power) when the wearer of the spectacles looksdown.

What form must be obtained by the spectacle lens to obtain the desiredoptical correction is decisively determined by the material thereof.Here, the most important parameter is the refractive index of thematerial. While spectacle lenses were predominantly produced frommineral glasses in the past, in particular crown glasses (Abbenumber >55) and flint glasses (Abbe number <50), spectacle lenses from amultiplicity of organic materials have become available in the meantime.Such base materials for organic spectacle lenses are offered, interalia, under the trade names CR 39, MR 8, MR 7, CR 330 and MR 174. Aselection of such base materials is also found in the publishedspecification EP 2692941 A1. Other materials are continuously beingtested and developed in respect of the suitability thereof for organicspectacle lenses. Table 1, below, elucidates characteristic variablesand reference variables of a selection of known base materials:

TABLE 1 Base materials for the production of spectacle lenses TradeAverage refractive Abbe name Base material index n_(e) number y_(e) R 39Poly allyl diglycol 1.500 56 CR 330 carbonate CR 607 CR 630 TrivexPolyurea/Polyurethane 1.530 45 PC Polycarbonate 1.590 29 MR 6 Polythiourethane 1.598 MR 8  Polythiourethane 1.598 41 MR 7 Polythiourethane 1.664 32 MR 10  Polythiourethane 1.666 32 MR 174Polyepisulfide 1.738 32 Mineral 1.5 1.525 58 Mineral 1.6 1.604 44

Currently, a large number of organic spectacle lens semifinishedproducts or spectacle lens finished products with spherical,rotationally symmetric aspherical, or progressive front surfaces arecast in mass production in prototypes with front and back surface formshells, which are spaced apart from one another with a sealing ring,forming a cavity in the process, as described in, e.g., the documentsDE30 07572 C2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,148 A, or JP 2008 191186 A. Thisapplies to base materials with the trade names MR 7, MR8, MR 10 and CR39, CR 607, CR 630, etc. The base materials with the trade names MR 7,MR 8, and MR 10 are polythiourethanes marketed by Mitsui Chemicals. Theabbreviation “MR” here stands for Mitsui Resin. CR 39 or Columbia Resin39 is the brand name selected by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Industries (PPGIndustries) under which the material poly diethylene glycol bis allylcarbonate or poly allyl diglycol carbonate (abbreviation: PADC) ismarketed. This is a thermosetting polymer material. CR 607 and CR 630are also produced by PPG.

Semifinished products or finished products for spectacle lenses made outof polycarbonate are generally produced in metal forms by means of aninjection molding technique. This production method is described in,e.g., EP 0955147 A1. A semifinished product is understood to be aspectacle lens blank with surface whose treatment has finished and whoseform is no longer modified in further production steps. As a rule, theopposite surface of a semifinished product obtains its final form bymeans of a material-ablating method. A finished product is a spectaclelens blank in which both surfaces already have obtained their finalform.

Mineral spectacle lenses are generally produced by machine-basedmechanically abrasive machining of a blank.

The semifinished products or finished products described above are oftensubjected to one or more finishing processes. In particular, functionallayers are applied to one or both sides. Such functional layers arelayers which equip the spectacle lenses with predetermined properties,which are advantageous to the spectacle wearer and which the spectaclelenses would not have purely on the basis of the properties of the baseor carrier material, onto which the functional layers are applied wherenecessary, and the forming. In addition to optical properties, such asan antireflection coating, silvering, light polarization, coloring,self-tinting etc., such advantageous properties also include mechanicalproperties, such as hardening, reduction of the adherence of dirt orreduction in steaming up, etc., and/or electrical properties such asshielding from electromagnetic radiation, conduction of electricalcurrent, etc., and/or other physical or chemical properties. Examples offunctional coatings can be gathered from the documents WO 10/109154 A1,WO 01/55752 A1, and DE 10 2008 041 869 A1, for example.

Order-specific prescription spectacle lenses, in particular,individualized single vision and multi-focal lenses, the opticalproperties of which are not standardized in a preselectable manner, atleast in part, but rather are individually calculated and manufacturedin a manner adapted to the user in relation to the dimensions and/or thearrangement thereof on the spectacle lens. In particular, varifocal orprogressive lenses are brought into their final form by mechanical, inparticular deforming and/or abrasive, methods. Here, the outer forms mayhave a round, oval, or arbitrary shape, describing so-called free-formsin the latter case.

These days, high-quality spectacle lenses with individually adapteddioptric power are produced in a prescription manufacturing site that isdesigned to this end, a so-called Rx lab (Rx is the abbreviation forrecipe), by means of subtractive manufacturing methods from semifinishedproducts (abbreviated HF in German). The finished product is defined bytwo optical surfaces that have varying distances from one anotherdepending on strength or dioptric power, material and regulations. Thetwo optical surfaces are continuous as a consequence of the generallyused free-form manufacturing methods. The exceptions to this rule, theembedded near-region areas in the case of bifocal and trifocal lenses,must already be introduced in the front side during the casting processin the case of polymer lenses. There are also corresponding spectaclelenses with near-region areas formed in protruding fashion on the backside.

The near region and far region are spatially separated from one anotherin current spectacle lenses with a plurality of strengths or opticalpowers, namely in the case of bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses andmultifocal lenses, in particular varifocal lenses. In particular, thisis always bothersome if the spectacle wearer wishes to see in the nearregion but high in front of the head or in the far region through thelower part of the spectacles.

In terms of design freedom, the current market for spectacle frames isvery dependent on the forms and sizes of spectacle lenses that can besupplied by their producers. The diameter and the thickness of thesemifinished products which decide whether a spectacle lens can still bemanufactured because it fits in the semifinished product—or not, as thecase may be—are particularly decisive. Here, the limits of conventionalmass production can be significantly expanded because casting of thesemifinished products in predetermined shell molds is dispensed with.

In the case of the spectacle lenses currently produced in massproduction, the refractive index is uniform and constant independentlyof location, and so the thickness of the spectacle lens significantlyincreases toward the edge (in the case of myopic or near-sightedpatients) or toward the center (in the case of hyperopic or far-sightedpatients) in the case of significant corrections. This is unattractivefrom a cosmetic point of view, particularly in the first case becausethe large edge thickness is conspicuous.

The following inherent properties of mass-produced spectacle lenses,which are even present in the case of high-quality products, areperceived as bothersome:

-   -   1. The macroscopic spatial separation of near region and far        region.    -   2. The unavoidably occurring astigmatic distortions toward the        edge in the case of a smooth transition from the far region into        the near region in varifocal lenses according to Minkwitz's        theorem.    -   3. The discontinuous or discontinuously differentiable optical        surfaces that are only realizable with significant outlay.    -   4. The cosmetically unattractive edge, as it is visible, between        main lens and segment in the case of non-progressive multifocal        lenses, such as in the case of bifocal or trifocal lenses, for        example.    -   5. The unaesthetic large edge thickness, as it is visible, in        the case of spectacle lenses with a strong dioptric power; high        prism values, in particular, lead to a thick edge of the        spectacle lens in the case of myopic humans.    -   6. The restrictions relating to the producibility of corrective        spectacles in the case of form prescriptions for the spectacle        lens front surface and/or the spectacle frame that are        considered aesthetic; current spectacle lenses are very        significantly restricted in view of the outer form as a result        of the production method and the shape of the frames and a        correspondingly small freedom of design follows therefrom.        Within the scope of currently existing restrictions, products        such as the NIKE VAPORWING ELITE are practically not producible        with optical power, but only as 0 dpt sunglasses.

The related art has disclosed different approaches for improvingspectacle lenses in view of the aforementioned properties that areperceived as bothersome. Particularly in this context, it is known thatso-called digital fabricators, in particular, offer manufacturingoptions for virtually any structure, the structures not being realizableor only being realizable with difficulty using conventional abrasivemethods. Within the digital fabricator machine class, 3D printersrepresent the most important subclass of additive, i.e., accumulating,building fabricators. The most important techniques of 3D printing areselective laser melting (SLM) and electron-beam melting for metals andselective laser sintering (SLS) for polymers, ceramics and metals,stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing for liquidartificial resins and multijet or polyjet modeling (e.g., inkjetprinters) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) for plastics and, in part,artificial resins. A few approaches with which transmission opticalunits are produced with the aid of additive methods are sketched outbelow.

DE 10 2009 008 997 A1 proposes light-guiding structures that contain amultiplicity of miniaturized elements, proceeding from a reference tospectacle lenses in which portions have different light-refractivepower. Each element consists of a multiplicity of droplets made of alight-transmissive or transparent material, the droplets being depositedon a substrate with a plane delimiting surface and the approximatelyhemispherical arching of the droplets projecting from the substrate. Thedroplets have different diameters such that each element with themultiplicity of droplets forms a miniaturized partial prism or partiallens or any other particular optical unit. Further, a method forproducing light-guiding structures on a light-transmissive ortransparent substrate can be gathered from the document. Transparent ortranslucent printing ink is applied onto the substrate in droplet formby means of inkjet printing. Here, droplets of the same and differentsize are applied for the purposes of producing miniaturizedlight-guiding elements, with a plurality of such elements that togetherform the light-guiding structure such as a prism or a lens being appliednext to one another.

WO 2010/091888 A1 also describes an optical element in whichlight-guiding structures and, in particular, an optical prism areapplied to a transparent substrate with the aid of a 3D printing method,namely using a “drop on demand” inkjet printer (DOD inkjet printer) inparticular, and a method for the production thereof. It also states thatDE 10 2005 039 113 A1 has already described the application ofcylindrical microlenses on a substrate with the aid of a microjetprinting method. By way of example, silicone, a mixture of silicone andacrylic, and an epoxy-modified cationic UV curable silicone are proposedas printing material for producing optical elements in WO 2014/108364 A1

Proceeding from a single vision spectacle lens finished product, EP 2878 989 A1 proposes the production of a progressive spectacle lens withthe aid of a 3D printing method.

WO 2015/014381 A1 describes the use of additive manufacturing processes,such as stereolithography (SLA), inkjet printing, selective lasersintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), or fused depositionmodeling (FDM) for producing transparent ophthalmic lenses. The documentdescribes the production of such lenses by stringing together volumeelements (voxels) with an extent of between 0.1 μm and 500 μm, whichform a three-dimensional grid, in a direction in a predeterminedarrangement which, for example, can be defined in a CAD (computer aideddesign) file. Each volume element (voxel) includes a composition with atleast one polymer or pre-polymer or monomer. A connectivity between thevolume elements (voxels) is established in each case by forming achemical or mechanical bond. As suitable polymers, the documentspecifies polyolefinics such as cyclo olefin polymers, polyacrylatessuch as polymethyl(meth)acrylate, poly(meth)acrylate,polyethyl(meth)acrylate, polybutyl(meth)acrylate,polyisobutyl(meth)acrylate, polyesters, polyamides, polysiloxanes,polyimides, polyurethanes, polythiourethanes, polycarbonates,polyallylics, polysulfides, polyvinyls, polyarylenes, polyoxides, andpolysulfones, or blends thereof. As suitable monomers or pre-polymers,the document specifies olefinics, acrylics, epoxides, organic acids,carboxylic acids, styrenes, isocyanates, alcohols, norbornenes, thiols,amines, amides, anhydrides, allylics, silicones, vinyl esters, vinylethers, vinyl halides, and episulfides. The monomers or pre-polymers canbe thermally curable or curable in radiation-induced fashion.Photoinitiators and, optionally, co-photoinitiators can be used forradiation-induced curing.

H.-J. Trost et al., Proc. 2001 Ann. Mtg. ASPE, 10-15 Nov. 2001 (ASPE,Raleigh, N.C. 2001) pp. 533-536 propose, for example, the production ofspectacle lenses with refractive index gradients, so-called GRIN(gradient index of refraction) spectacle lenses with the aid ofdrop-on-demand (DOD) technology. This technology is an inkjet printingmethod in which ink droplets are applied in metered fashion through anozzle. The desired variation in the refractive index is achieved byusing different optical ink materials. After printing, the appliedoptical ink material is cured thermally or by UV light. The documentshows the option of producing lenses with a radial and/or axialrefractive index gradient.

WO 2015/102938 A1, too, describes the production of lenses from volumeelements (voxels) with the aid of a 3D printing method. Layers withdifferent dielectric materials are stacked and GRIN optical units areproduced in this fashion.

Furthermore, WO 2014/179780 A1 describes the production of GRIN opticalunits by means of 3D printing for the purposes of producing optical GRINstructures with little dispersion. The gradient of the refractive indexis produced by way of varying the nanoparticle concentration in theorganic matrix. As possible materials for these nanoparticles, ZnS,ZrO₂, ZnO, BeO, AlN, TiO₂, and SiO₂ are mentioned. According to thespecification in the document, the organic matrix can include, e.g.,di(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate, hexanedioldiacrylate, bisphenol A novolak epoxy resin (SU8),2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), polyacrylate, polymethacrylate,polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), styrene, andpoly[(2,3,4,4,5,5-hexafluorotetrahydrofuran-2,3-diyl)(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethylene)](CYTOP).

Although spectacle lenses that meet the needs of the aestheticalperception of many people can be produced using various methods, thereis a need for further improvement.

JP 2004 157487 A describes a bifocal lens that is assembled from aplurality of sets of microlenses. Each of the sets of microlenses has afixed focus or a fixed refractive index. It is possible to switchbetween the sets of microlenses with the aid of a liquid crystalarrangement.

JP 2003 029216 A describes reading spectacles. The back surfaces of thespectacle lenses of these reading spectacles have local changes ofcurvature in the near part and, optionally, in an intermediate regionsituated between the near part and far apart. There are groups ofsimilarly curved hexagonal back surface segments that are arrangednested in one another. Each of the groups provides a different focallength.

JP H05 313 107 A describes a contact lens that is manufactured from arod that includes a bundle of fibers. There are a number of groups offibers. All fibers in one group have the same refractive index. Thefibers of different groups differ in terms of their refractive indices.A microlens in the finished contact lens emerges from each fiber. Onaccount of the production process, the contact lens includes a pluralityof groups of microlenses that are arranged nested within one another.Each microlens group provides a focal plane on account of the uniformrefractive index within the group, the focal plane differing from thefocal plane of every other group.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the disclosure to provide a method for producing aspectacle lens in which there is an improvement in at least one of theaforementioned factors of conventional spectacle lenses that areperceived as bothersome.

This object of the disclosure further includes providing a spectaclelens in which there is an improvement in at least one of theaforementioned factors of conventional spectacle lenses that areperceived as bothersome.

The method-related object is achieved by a method for producing aspectacle lens having a first partial grid and the second partial gridarranged within one another. The product-related object is achieved by aspectacle lens having a first partial grid and the second partial gridarranged within one another.

What is common to all variants according to the disclosure is that therespective spectacle lens comprises at least two volume element groups,namely a first volume element group which comprises a plurality of firstvolume elements, wherein the plurality of first volume elements arearranged in the style of grid points of a geometric grid so as to form afirst partial grid and wherein the first volume elements together form afirst part of the spectacle lens, the first part of the spectacle lenshaving the dioptric power for vision at a first object distance.Further, the spectacle lens comprises a second volume element group,which correspondingly comprises a plurality of second volume elements,wherein the plurality of second volume elements are arranged in thestyle of grid points of a geometric grid so as to form a second partialgrid and wherein the second volume elements together form a second partof the spectacle lens, the second part of the spectacle lens having thedioptric power for vision at a second object distance that differs fromthe first object distance. In all variants of the spectacle lensaccording to the disclosure, the first partial grid and the secondpartial grid are arranged within one another (e.g., displaced oroffset), penetrating one another in each case.

In geometry, a grid is a complete and overlap-free partition of a regionof the space by a set of grid cells. The grid cells are defined by a setof (fictitious or imaginary) grid points which are interconnected by aset of (fictitious or imaginary) grid lines.

The first and the second partial grid penetrating one another means thatthe first partial grid and the second partial grid together have a spacein common without coinciding in their entirety. Within the scope of thepresent disclosure, displaced within one another in penetrative fashionmeans an arrangement in the style of a zinc blend structure, forexample, which can be described as a combination of two cubicface-centered partial lattices placed within one another, which arearranged displaced by ¼ of the space diagonal in relation to oneanother. Additionally, (single-ply) layer lattices, which are displacedin relation to one another by a certain dimension of a vector lying inthe layer surface, should also be comprised. The two first and secondpartial grids need not have identical form either. Rather, what isdecisive is that the two first and second partial grids provide nomacroscopic spatial separation of the dioptric power for vision atdifferent object distances.

The first part of the spectacle lens, which provides the dioptric powerfor vision at a first object distance, can correspond to the nearregion, for example, and the second part of the spectacle lens, whichprovides the dioptric power for vision at a second object distance, cancorrespond to the far region of a conventional spectacle lens, forexample. Accordingly, the arrangement according to the disclosure of thefirst and second partial grids provides a three-dimensional structure,in which the far and near regions, as it were, are present virtuallynested within one another. Naturally, the first object distance can alsobe the usual eye-screen distance and the second object distance can bethe customary reading distance. Such spectacle lenses are suitable foroffice work or the like.

Accordingly, the first part and the second part of the spectacle lensrepresent coinciding surface regions of the spectacle lens, throughwhich the spectacle wearer looks in the case of intended use. Typicalsurface dimensions of these regions lie between 0.3 cm² and 7 cm²,typically between 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8 cm² and5 cm² and, finally, even more typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

In the case of an exemplary embodiment, the spectacle lens can bedistinguished in that

-   -   no visible bifocal or trifocal regions are present,    -   there is no need for a progression channel of varifocal        spectacles and consequently all individualization parameters        connected therewith become obsolete (progression channel length,        inset, frame shape, varifocal profile, balance of the image        aberration distribution that is unavoidable in the case of        conventional varifocal lenses),    -   the addition (the difference between the two foci) remains        untouched, wherein the number of foci is only restricted by the        number of different, individually set voxels (first, second and        optional further volume element groups),    -   the following parameters, inter alia, can remain untouched:        vertex distance (abbreviated HSA in German), pantoscopic tilt        and face form angle, provided this is desired.

Untouched means that these parameters such as addition, vertex distance,pantoscopic tilt and face form angle are taken into account whendesigning the spectacle lenses according to the disclosure in exactlythe same way as in the case of conventional spectacle lenses accordingto the related art.

In addition to these typical applications in the field of varifocal andmultifocal lenses, the described exemplary embodiment offers approachesfor reducing the cosmetic problems of single vision lenses. To this end,it is possible to introduce the optical correction no longer exclusivelyby way of the relative position of the optical surfaces with a constantrefractive index being taken into account, as is the case inconventional spectacle lenses of the above-described type in the relatedart.

The volume element groups according to the disclosure are produced withthe aid of an additive manufacturing method. Specifically, the methodaccording to the disclosure for producing a spectacle lens comprises thefollowing steps:

-   -   additive manufacturing of a first volume element group, wherein        the first volume element group comprises a plurality of first        volume elements, wherein the plurality of first volume elements        are arranged in the style of grid points of a geometric grid so        as to form a first partial grid, wherein the first volume        elements together form a first part of the spectacle lens, the        first part of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for        vision at a first object distance, and    -   additive manufacturing of a second volume element group, wherein        the second volume element group comprises a plurality of second        volume elements, wherein the plurality of second volume elements        are arranged in the style of grid points of a geometric grid so        as to form a second partial grid, wherein the second volume        elements together form a second part of the spectacle lens, the        second part of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for        vision at a second object distance that differs from the first        object distance.

According to the disclosure, the method provides that the first partialgrid and the second partial grid are arranged within one another (e.g.,displaced or offset), penetrating one another in each case, during theadditive manufacturing.

The method steps of additive manufacturing of the first volume elementgroup and additive manufacturing of the second volume element groupshould not necessitate the first volume element group being completedfirst and the second volume element group being completed thereafter.Rather, one or more volume elements of the first volume element groupcan be initially produced additively, followed in turn by one or morevolume elements of the second volume element group, then by one or morevolume elements of the first volume element group again, etc., until thetwo volume element groups are completed in the arrangement according tothe disclosure in a manner corresponding to two partial grids displacedwithin one another in penetrative fashion.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or additive manufacturing methods, is acomprehensive label for the methods, previously often referred to asrapid prototyping, for fast and cost-effective manufacture of models,patterns, prototypes, tools, and end products. This manufacture isimplemented directly on the basis of computer-internal data models fromformless (e.g., liquids, powder, and the like) or form-neutral(band-shaped, wire-shaped) material by means of chemical and/or physicalprocesses. Although these are primary forming methods, no special toolsthat have stored the respective geometry of the workpiece (e.g., molds)are required for a specific product. The current related art is conveyedby the VDI Statusreport AM 2014. An overview of current 3D printingmethods is provided by3druck.com/grundkurs-3d-drucker/teil-2-uebersicht-der-aktuellen-3d-druckverfahren-462146/,last accessed Jan. 13, 2019.

The method of multijet modeling or polyjet printing was found to beparticularly suitable. This method is described, for example, at the URLde.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi_Jet_Modeling, the URLwww.materialise.com/de/manufacturing/3d-druck-technologien/polyjet, orthe URL www.stratasys.com/polyjet-technology, respectively retrieved onJan. 13, 2019. Polyjet is a powerful 3D printing technology, by means ofwhich smooth, precise components, prototypes and production aids can beproduced. Thanks to microscopic layer resolution and an accuracy of upto 0.1 mm, thin walls and complex geometries can be produced therebyfrom the most comprehensive spectrum of materials available for eachtechnology. The polyjet 3D printer has a similar operation to that of aninkjet printer. However, instead of spraying ink droplets onto paper,polyjet 3D printers spray layers made of a crosslinkable, liquidphotopolymer onto a construction platform. The method is comparativelysimple: In a first preparation step, the preparation softwareautomatically calculates the placement of the photopolymer and of thesupport material (i.e., a material that only serves during the 3Dprinting for positioning and supporting the photopolymer until thelatter is cured) on the basis of a 3D CAD file. During the actualproduction, the 3D printer sprays tiny droplets of liquid photopolymerand immediately crosslinks these by means of UV light. Thus, fine layersaccumulate on the building platform, one or more precise 3D models or 3Dparts arising therefrom. If overhanging or complex forms have to besupported, the 3D printer sprays a removable support material. The usercan easily remove the support material by hand, with water or in asolvent bath. The models and components can typically be processed andused directly from the 3D printer, without having to post-harden.

The Stratasys (Objet) Eden 260 V 3D printer, in particular, is suitablefor the application according to the disclosure. The materials referredto above in the introductory part of the description and, in particular,specified in documents WO 2014/179780 A1 and WO 2015/014381 A1 aresuitable for use in the method according to the disclosure. By way ofexample, suitable polymers for the first and second volume elements arepolyolefinics such as cyclo olefin polymers, polyacrylates such aspolymethyl(meth)acrylate, poly(meth)acrylate, polyethyl(meth)acrylate,polybutyl(meth)acrylate, polyisobutyl(meth)acrylate, polyesters,polyamides, polysiloxanes, polyimides, polyurethanes, polythiourethanes,polycarbonates, polyallylics, polysulfides, polyvinyls, polyarylenes,polyoxides, and polysulfones, and blends thereof. Olefinics, acrylics,epoxides, organic acids, carboxylic acids, styrenes, isocyanates,alcohols, norbornenes, thiols, amines, amides, anhydrides, allylics,silicones, vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, vinyl halides, and episulfidescan be considered to be monomers or pre-polymers that are suitable asprinted material for producing the first and second volume elements. Themonomers or pre-polymers can be thermally curable or curable inradiation-induced fashion. Photoinitiators and, optional,co-photoinitiators can be used for radiation-induced curing.

As described above, the first and second volume elements can alsoconsist of an organic matrix to which nanoparticles have been added. Theorganic matrix can consist of, e.g., di(ethylene glycol) diacrylate,neopentyl glycol diacrylate, hexanediol diacrylate, bisphenol A novolakepoxy resin (SU8), 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), polyacrylate,polymethacrylates, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), styrene, andpoly[(2,3,4,4,5,5-hexafluorotetrahydrofuran-2,3-diyl)(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethylene)](CYTOP). Possible materials for the nanoparticles are ZnS, ZrO₂, ZnO,BeO, AlN, TiO₂, and SiO₂, for example.

The method-specific problem presented at the outset is solved in itsentirety by such a method according to the disclosure for producing aspectacle lens.

With these words, reference is made to the fact that the disclosure isnot restricted to only a penetrative arrangement of two partial grids.Rather, it is also possible to realize more than two partial grids forcorresponding different object distances. However, it was found to beadvantageous to restrict the number of different partial grids to nomore than 5, typically no more than four or else no more than 3 becausethe human brain otherwise does not allow focused perception, or onlyallows so with difficulties.

The product-related problem specified above can be solved by one of theexemplary embodiments specified below: the starting product is always aspectacle lens having the features specified below:

The spectacle lens according to the disclosure comprises a first volumeelement group which includes a plurality of first volume elements,wherein the plurality of first volume elements are arranged in the styleof grid points of a geometric grid so as to form a first partial gridand wherein the first volume elements together form a first part of thespectacle lens, the first part of the spectacle lens having the dioptricpower for vision at a first object distance. Further, the spectacle lenscomprises a second volume element group, which correspondingly includesa plurality of second volume elements, wherein the plurality of secondvolume elements is arranged in the style of grid points of a geometricgrid so as to form a second partial grid and wherein the second volumeelements together form a second part of the spectacle lens, the secondpart of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for vision at asecond object distance that differs from the first object distance. Thefirst partial grid and the second partial grid are arranged within oneanother (e.g., displaced or offset), penetrating one another in eachcase.

The first variant of the disclosure includes the first partial gridhaving a three-dimensional embodiment and/or the second partial gridhaving a three-dimensional embodiment. There is an interaction thatincreases with the number of layers between the first and second partsas a result of the three-dimensional design of one or both partialgrids, the interaction intending to be designed for in-focus vision atdifferent object distances. Details are explained below in conjunctionwith the description relating to FIG. 4. However, what is achieved inprinciple is that light on its passage through the spectacle lens is notonly refracted twice, at the front surface and back surface, butrefracted repeatedly at each interface between the partial grids, albeitby smaller angle in each case. Consequently, it is possible to optimizethe light path through the spectacle lens individually, tailored to theuser. Here, the light path can be influenced at the local level andrelatively large light beams, which remain tightly connected inconventional systems, can be split and controlled more precisely insmaller beams.

The second variant of the disclosure assumes that the first volumeelements each have a first surface element and the second volumeelements each have a second surface element. Here, a surface elementshould be understood to mean an optical surface through which lightbeams emanating from an object have to pass in order to reach the eye.All surface elements that together form the front or back surface of thespectacle lens are special cases. This front or back surface and,accordingly, also the surface elements forming these may optionally alsobe coated. The surface elements can also form internal interfaces to acarrier or to surface elements of other volume elements.

This second variant of the disclosure is characterized in thatrespectively one of the first surface elements of the first volumeelements of the first volume element group and respectively one of thesecond surface elements of the second volume elements of the secondvolume element group, which adjoin one another, are arranged at an angleto one another or arranged so as to form a step. Details are explainedbelow in conjunction with the description relating to FIG. 5. However,what is achieved in principle is that two volume element groups withdifferent focal spots are realized within a physically contiguousspectacle lens and that no bifocal lenses with their clearly visibleedge in the visual field are required. Moreover, it is possible todispense with the progression channel of the varifocal lenses which,with its continuous change of the optical power, necessarily hasastigmatic distortions at the edge of the spectacle lens as aconsequence. As a result, small edges arise between the surfaces of thevolume element groups, the edges being significantly less conspicuous tothe observer than known solutions.

The third variant of the disclosure proceeds from the two followingconfigurations, which may also be present cumulatively:

-   -   (i) the first volume elements each have a first surface element        of the above-described type and the second volume elements        accordingly each have a second surface element, and    -   (ii) the first volume elements consist of a first material and        the second volume elements consist of a second material that        differs from the first material.

According to the disclosure, provision is made for a transition betweenone of the first volume elements and an adjoining one of the secondvolume elements to be implemented by gradual change in the materialand/or by gradual change of an orientation of the respectively adjoiningfirst and second surface elements of the adjoining first and secondvolume elements. While there is a jump from one focus to the next in thesecond variant of the disclosure, this change is implemented gradually,as a rule, in the third variant of the disclosure. Further details aresummarized in the last four portions of the description. However, whatis achieved in principle is that the remaining edges in the opticallyeffective surface, as can be observed in the third variant, can bereduced further in this embodiment and hence further improvements areobtained in the cosmetic properties. Additionally, gradual changesbetween the volume element groups lead to a reduced formation of straylight at the various interfaces between the volume element groups.Calculating the individual volume element groups and setting therespective refractive indices is significantly more complicated than inthe second variant, and so more computational power must be availablefor the design.

The fourth variant includes a smoothing hard coat being arranged on thefirst volume element group and the second volume element group. Asmoothing hard coat is understood to mean a layer that reduces thesurface roughness and surface structures of the spectacle lenssubstrate.

With this smoothing hard coat, the spectacle lens typically has asurface roughness Ra of <10 nm. More typically, the surface roughness Raof the spectacle lens over all optical surfaces in each case lies in arange of 1.0 nm to 8.0 nm, more typically in a range of 3.0 nm to 7.0 nmand very more typically in a range of 4.0 nm to 6.0 nm. Theaforementioned values for the surface roughness Ra in each case relatedto the front surface and back surface of the spectacle lens. The surfaceroughness Ra in relation to the completed spectacle lens is typicallydetermined by means of white-light interferometry, typically using theNewView 7100 (Zygo Corporation) appliance.

The composition of the smoothing hard coat can contain at least onesilane derivative (R⁴O)Si(OR¹)(OR²)(OR³), wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ can bethe same or different from one another, substituted or unsubstituted andR¹, R², R³, R⁴ can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl,alkyleneacyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and alkylenearyl. Alternatively oradditionally, the composition of the smoothing hard coat can contain atleast one silane derivative R⁶R⁷ _(3-n)Si(OR⁵)_(n), wherein R⁵ can beselected from the group consisting of alkyl, acyl, alkyleneacyl,cycloalkyl, aryl, and alkylenearyl, R⁵ can be substituted orunsubstituted, R⁶ is an organic radical, which comprises an epoxidegroup, R⁷ can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl,cycloalkyl, aryl and alkenylaryl, R⁷ can be substituted orunsubstituted. Further examples of such smoothing hard coats can befound in EP 2 578 649 A1, DE 10 2005 059 485 A1 and EP 2 385 086 A1. Inprinciple, this renders the structure consisting of different volumeelements to be inconspicuous or less conspicuous to the observer fromthe outside while the spectacle lens is provided with scratchresistance. The cosmetic smoothing properties of this variant areparticularly important if the optical system is based on the parameterswith sharp edges and jump-like changes described in variant number two.A further advantage lies in the improved cleanability of the coatedsurface since fewer trenches, in which dirt can accumulate, are present.Compared to the uncoated variant, further advantages arise within thescope of applying a stamp figure (centering cross, measurement circles,etc.), which, optionally, can further be printed onto the spectacle lenssurface by pad printing or inkjet printing methods.

The fifth variant of the disclosure is characterized in that the firstvolume element group and the second volume element group are arranged ona surface of a carrier that has a (spatial) refractive index gradient.As described in the introductory part of the description, a refractiongradient offers the possibility of producing a desired dioptric power ofa body that has little dependence on the geometric form thereof. Thisallows the spectacle lens to have a thinner embodiment overall than ifuse were made of a carrier with a spatially constant refractive index.In a region in which the first volume element group and the secondvolume element are arranged, the thickness of the carrier is typicallybetween 0.1 and 5 mm, more typically between 0.5 and 3 mm, and even moretypically between 1 and 2 mm.

The product-related problem posed at the outset is solved in itsentirety by each of the above-described five variants.

The variants of the disclosure described below also can be combined inany way, as illustrated in detail below in an exemplary fashion.

In principle, it is possible for the first and second volume elements tobe made of the same material. The provision of different dioptric powersfor sharp vision at different object distances is then determined or setby the respective surface geometry of the individual first and secondvolume elements, and/or the relative position and alignment of theindividual first and second volume elements in relation to one another,and/or the external geometry of the grid comprising the two first andsecond partial grids. Firstly, the term surface geometry comprises bothsurface area and surface form, in particular also the local curvature ofthe surface of the respective volume element.

According to the explanations made above, it is alternatively possiblefor the first volume elements to be made of a first material and for thesecond volume elements to be made of a second material that differs fromthe first material. The provision of different dioptric powers for sharpvision at different object distances then can be determined or set notonly by the respective surface geometry of the individual first andsecond volume elements, and/or the relative position and alignment ofthe individual first and second volume elements in relation to oneanother, and/or the external geometry of the grid comprising the twofirst and second partial grids, but also by the differentlight-refractive properties of the respective first and second volumeelements. Particularly when the first material has a first refractiveindex and the second material has a second refractive index that differsfrom the first refractive index, it is not only the orientation of theoptically effective surfaces of the volume elements that play a role,but also the refractive powers thereof. The restriction of the formingin respect of an aesthetic perception is largely removed or at leastsignificantly reduced in comparison with conventional spectacle lenses.The use of an additive manufacturing method, in particular the use ofthe multijet or polyjet printing/modeling allows the realization ofdiscontinuous and/or discontinuously differentiable optical surfaceswith little outlay. The macroscopic spatial separation of, for example,near and far region (in general: a first object distance range and asecond object distance range) is dispensed with and, connectedtherewith, the astigmatic distortions occurring toward the edge in thecase of varifocal lenses of the conventional type are dispensed with.

If use is made of materials with different refractive indices forrealizing the first and second volume elements, it is possible toproduce the dioptric powers for the different object distances byarranging the first and second volume elements so that these togetheryield a smooth, optionally even plane surface which, when the spectaclelenses or the spectacles with the spectacle lens according to thedisclosure are used as intended, is aligned either in the direction ofthe object (i.e., optionally provided with a coat, forming the frontsurface of the spectacle lens) and/or in the direction of the eye (i.e.,optionally, provided with a coat, forming the back surface of thespectacle lens). By contrast, if use is made of materials with the samerefractive indices or if use is even made of identical materials for thepurposes of realizing the first and second volume elements, the surfacesof the first and second volume elements will have different orientationsin relation to one another at the locations at which two differentvolume elements adjoin one another to obtain the property according tothe disclosure of providing a macroscopic spatial unification of theregions for different object distances. In particular, in this case, thedisclosure can be described in that the first volume elements each havea first surface element and in that the second volume elements each havea second surface element and in that respectively one of the firstsurface elements and respectively one of the second surface elements,which adjoin one another, are arranged at an angle to one another.

To summarize, the transition between a first volume element and a secondvolume element can be implemented in discontinuous fashion by way of ajump-like change in the material and/or jump-like change in theorientation of the respective surface elements, adjoining one another,of neighboring volume elements.

As an alternative, the transition between a first volume element and asecond neighboring volume element can also be implemented in a gradualor smooth fashion, with similar properties to the progression channel inconventional varifocal lenses. This can be implemented accordingly by agradual change in the material and/or a gradual change in theorientation of the respective optical surface of the neighboring volumeelements.

The first partial grid can have a two-dimensional embodiment. As analternative or in addition thereto, the second partial grid can have atwo-dimensional embodiment. Within the scope of the present application,a two-dimensional embodiment of a (partial) grid should be understood tomean a single-ply layer grid. Expressed differently, all volume elementsforming the (partial) grid should lie in a plane. In the case where bothpartial grids have a two-dimensional shape, it is possible that a gridcomprising the first partial grid and the second partial grid once againforms a two-dimensional grid, namely if the two partial grids aredisplaced in relation to one another in the above-described plane. Byway of example, the two partial grids can be present in the style of acheckerboard-like structure, in which the light squares of thecheckerboard are imagined to correspond to the first volume elements ofthe first partial grid and the dark squares of the checkerboard areimagined to correspond to the second volume elements.

Even if both the first partial grid and the second partial grid have atwo-dimensional shape, these need not necessarily be displaced inrelation to one another in the plane in which the volume elements arearranged. A displacement of the two partial grids in relation to oneanother both in a direction aligned exclusively perpendicular to thisplane and in any spatial direction are possible.

The first partial grid can also have a three-dimensional shape. As analternative or in addition thereto, the second partial grid can alsohave a three-dimensional shape. Once again, the two partial grids can bedisplaced in any spatial direction in relation to one another.Particularly in the case of a three-dimensional shape, the foci for thetwo different object distances will influence one another with eachlayer. Expressed differently, there will be an interaction thatincreases with the number of layers between the first and second partsin the case of the three-dimensional design of the partial grids, theinteraction intending to be designed for in-focus vision at differentobject distances. Details are explained below in conjunction with thedescription relating to FIG. 4.

The first object distance can differ from the second object distance bymore than 5 cm or by more than 10 cm or by more than 15 cm or by morethan 20 cm or by more than 30 cm or even by more than 50 cm, forexample. Expressed differently, the focal planes for which the partscomprising the first and second volume elements are designed in eachcase are spaced apart from one another by the values specified above.The spectacle wearer is able to see objects arranged in these focalplanes in focus along the same viewing direction. A change of view, asrequired in conventional multifocal lenses, is not required with the aidof a spectacle lens of the type according to the disclosure.

In principle, it is possible that the spectacle lens only consists of,or is only formed by, the first and second volume element groups. It isalso possible that one or more further volume element groups of the typecorresponding to the first and second volume element groups are presentand that the spectacle lens only consists of these volume element groupsof different types, which each form parts of the spectacle lens thatprovide the dioptric power for vision for the same or different objectdistances. A particularly advantageous embodiment variant of thespectacle lens according to the disclosure is characterized in that thefirst volume element group and the second volume element group arearranged on a surface of a carrier. By way of example, the carrier couldhave been produced with the aid of a method such as casting or anabrasive method from a blank. However, the disclosure also provides forthe method according to the disclosure optionally to be characterized bythe method step of additive manufacturing of a carrier with a surface,on which the first volume element group and the second volume elementgroup are arranged.

By way of example, the carrier can have an object-side spherical ortoric or free-form surface and the surface on which the first volumeelement group and the second volume element group are arranged can bethe eye-side surface of the carrier. Alternatively, the carrier can alsohave an eye-side spherical or toric or free-form surface and the surfaceon which the first volume element group and the second volume elementgroup are arranged can be the object-side surface of the carrier. Inboth of the above-described variants, the overall effect of thespectacle lens is composed of the refractive power of the spherical ortoric or rotationally symmetrical aspherical or free-form surface andthe light-refractive properties of the volume elements of the first andthe second volume element groups.

Finally, it is also possible that the surface on which the first volumeelement group and the second volume element group are arranged is/arethe eye-side and/or the object-side surface of the carrier. Then, theoverall effect of the spectacle lenses is substantially composed of thelight-refractive properties of the volume elements of the first and thesecond volume element groups.

Further, it is possible for the carrier to have a refractive indexgradient. As described in the introductory part of the description, arefraction gradient offers the possibility of producing a desireddioptric power of a body that has little dependence on the geometricform thereof.

Additionally, a coat can be arranged on the first volume element groupand the second volume group. In particular, all functional layerstructures mentioned in the introductory part of the description can beprovided as coats. In particular, mention should be made to those coatsthat influence or change optical properties, such as an antireflectioncoating, silvering, light polarization, coloring, self-tinting etc., andmechanical properties, such as hardening, reduction of the adherence ofdirt or reduction in steaming up, etc., and/or electrical propertiessuch as shielding from electromagnetic radiation, conduction ofelectrical current, etc., and/or other physical or chemical propertiesof the spectacle lens.

Finally, it is also possible that the first volume element group and thesecond volume element group are formed as buried structures. On the onehand, this substantially simplifies a subsequent hard or antireflectioncoating (e.g., conventional smoothing hard coat systems can be used) andon the other hand discontinuities or bends or jumps in the surfaces ofthe volume elements adjoining one another do not form cavities for thesubsequent collection of dirt on the surface of the completed spectaclelens. Buried structures are understood to mean structures embedded in asubstrate material.

The above-described dioptric power of the spectacle lens according tothe disclosure can be obtained with first volume elements that each havea volume of between 1000 μm³ and 1 mm³ and/or with second volumeelements that each have a volume of between 1000 μm³ and 1 mm³. Thesmallest possible volume of the volume element is predetermined by theproduction method, for example by the droplet size in the case of themultijet or polyjet modeling and, for example, by the focus dimension ofthe laser in the SLA method.

By way of example, the first volume elements could each have anobject-side surface of between 100 μm² and 1 mm² and/or the secondvolume elements could each have an object-side surface of between 100μm² and 1 mm². As an alternative or in addition thereto, it is possiblefor the first volume elements to each have an eye-side surface ofbetween 100 μm² and 1 mm² and/or for the second volume elements to eachhave an eye-side surface of between 100 μm² and 1 mm².

The number of first volume elements, which form the first part,typically lies between 50 and 10⁹, more typically between 100 and 10⁸,even more typically between 200 and 10⁷ and particularly typicallybetween 500 and 106.

The number of second volume elements, which form the second part,typically lies between 50 and 10⁹, more typically between 100 and 10⁸,even more typically between 200 and 107 and particularly typicallybetween 500 and 106.

Typically, the number of first volume elements and number of secondvolume elements are of the same order of magnitude. This means that thenumber of the first volume elements and the number of the second volumeelements do not deviate from one another by more than a factor of 10,typically by no more than a factor of 8, more typically by no more thana factor of 5 and even more typically by no more than a factor of 2.

The technological solution according to the disclosure has the followingadvantages, particularly when taking into account the above-presentedadvantageous embodiments and developments of the inventive concept:

In addition to the above-described applications in the field ofvarifocal and multifocal lenses and the likewise above-describedapproaches of reducing the cosmetic problems, particularly in the case asingle vision lenses, it is moreover possible to select systems notpurely based on a gradient optics (see the aforementioned publicationsWO 2015/102938 A1 and WO 2014/179780 A1), in which plane lenses or evenphysically plane plates are generated as a spectacle lens. A very goodresult emerges from an expedient combination of optically activesurfaces with a refractive index gradient in the substrate material. Ifthe refractive index increases towards the edge of the spectacle lens,it is possible to reduce the edge thickness of the spectacle lens whencorrecting myopic eye defects. If plastics are used, the maximumrefractive index lift is from 1.48 to 1.80, wherein the realizability isdifficult as a result of the necessary change of the underlyingchemistry. Mineral glass offers further possibilities of improvement.

Various restrictions of current technology are lifted in view of thedesign of the spectacle lens. Lifting of the restriction to spherical oraspherical rotationally symmetric front surfaces with a restricteddelivery range in view of the curvature is particularly advantageous.When the technologies described here are used, it is possible to realizeany curvature and changes in curvature with or without consequence forthe optical power of the lens. If desired, the change in curvature canbe compensated by a change in the refractive index.

A further advantageous property is the lifting of the size restrictionof the spectacle lens as a result of the restriction to the diameter ofthe available semifinished products. Unlike in the case of thesemifinished products which, for reasons of production, are restrictedto a diameter of approximately 80 to 90 mm, the maximum size of theconstruction space of the 3D printer, which already lies significantlythereabove and may advantageously be more than 200×200×200 mm,represents the production limit. If this volume is exploited, it wouldbe possible to print whole spectacles, shields, etc. in one piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of four partialgrids formed by volume elements of the first, second, third, and fourthvolume element groups, displaced within one another in penetrativefashion.

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion.

FIG. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion.

FIG. 5A shows a fourth exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of thevolume elements of two partial grids formed by these volume elements ofthe first and second volume element groups, displaced within one anotherin penetrative fashion.

FIG. 5B shows a magnified illustration of in each case one of the firstand second volume elements in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic sketch of a first exemplary embodiment of aspectacle lens according to the disclosure in a plan view from theobject side.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic sketch of a second exemplary embodiment of aspectacle lens according to the disclosure in cross section.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sketch of a third exemplary embodiment of aspectacle lens according to the disclosure in cross section.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic sketch of a fourth exemplary embodiment of aspectacle lens according to the disclosure in cross section.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sketch of a fifth exemplary embodiment of aspectacle lens according to the disclosure in cross section.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of spectacles with a spectaclelens according to the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Explanations were given above that the spectacle lens according to thedisclosure comprises at least two volume element groups. The two volumeelement groups, referred to as first and second volume element groupsbelow, each comprise a plurality of corresponding volume elements. Thevolume elements of the first volume element group are referred to asfirst volume elements below; the volume elements of the second volumeelement group are referred to as second volume elements below.

The first volume elements are arranged in the style of grid points of ageometric grid and form a first partial grid. Together, the volumeelements of the first volume element group form a first part of thespectacle lens. Together, they define a region of the spectacle lensthrough which the spectacle wearer gazes in the case of intended use,the region having the dioptric power for vision at a first objectdistance.

The second volume elements are likewise arranged in the style of gridpoints of a geometric grid and together form a second partial grid intheir own right. Together, the volume elements of the second volumeelement group form a second part of the spectacle lens. Together, theydefine a region of the spectacle lens through which the spectacle wearergazes in the case of intended use, the region having the dioptric powerfor vision at a second object distance, the second object distancedeviating from the aforementioned first object distance that is set bythe first partial grid formed by the volume elements of the first volumeelement group.

The first partial grid and the second partial grid are arrangeddisplaced within one another in penetrative fashion in each case. As aresult, the regions of the spectacle lens that are defined by the twopartial grids respectively formed from different volume elements andthat are designed for different object distances geometrically coincideon a macroscopic level. This should be elucidated once again below onthe basis of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, the first partial grid includes cuboidvolume elements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, which are arranged likethe white fields of a checkerboard. In the present exemplary embodiment,the second partial grid includes cuboid volume elements 2 a, 2 b, 2 c .. . 2 t, 2 u, which are arranged like the black fields of acheckerboard. Each cuboid volume element 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, 2a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u takes up the same amount of space, with edgelengths a₁, a₂, a₃. The edge lengths a₁, a₂, a₃ regularly lie in therange between 10 μm and 1 mm. The volumes of the cuboid volume elements1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u are then inthe range between 1000 μm³ and 1 mm³.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first partial grid that isbased on the cuboid volume elements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u and thesecond partial grid that is based on the cuboid volume elements 2 a, 2b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u have an identical shape. From a geometric point ofview, the two partial grids are offset in relation to one another by theedge length a₁ in the direction of a sheet row. Alternatively, it isalso possible to say that the two partial grids are offset in relationto one another by the edge length a₂ in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of a sheet row. In this exemplary embodiment, both partialgrids lie in one plane. In the present case, let the surface 3 visiblein FIG. 1 be the surface facing the object in the case of an intendeduse of the spectacle lens, which is based on the structure shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, the surface 4 that is not visible in FIG. 1 in thatcase is the surface facing the eye of the spectacle wearer in the caseof an intended use of the spectacle lens. The object-side surface of asingle volume element 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . .2 t, 2 u, which in each case represents a plane surface in the presentexemplary embodiment, lies between 100 μm² and 1 mm², taking intoaccount the aforementioned size specifications.

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the first partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the cuboid volume elements1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u in the present exemplary embodiment.Expressed differently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by thefirst partial grid, which is designed for vision at a first objectdistance and through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposesof seeing an object arranged at this distance in focus in the case ofintended use, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by thetotality of the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the cuboid volumeelements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u. According to the disclosure, thissurface region is between 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm²and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, evenmore typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the second partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the cuboid volume elements2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u in the present exemplary embodiment.Expressed differently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by thesecond partial grid, which is designed for vision at a second objectdistance and through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposesof seeing an object arranged at this distance in focus in the case ofintended use, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by thetotality of the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the cuboid volumeelements 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u. According to the disclosure, thissurface region is between 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm²and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, evenmore typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

From a macroscopic point of view, the surface region defined by thefirst partial grid and the surface region defined by the second partialgrid coincide, and so there is no macroscopic separation between thepart of the spectacle lens designed for the first object distance andthe part of the spectacle lens designed for the second object distance.In contrast to the conventional type of bifocal or varifocal lens thatis designed for a presbyopic wearer, near and far part coincide from themacroscopic point of view.

By way of example, WO 2015/102938 A1 describes in detail how such gridstructures are produced. Thus, a 3D printer equipped with one or moreprocessors receives a CAD model with data of, in the present exemplaryembodiment, a single layer which comprises a multiplicity of volumeelements. Thus, the data contain, for example, the information that thefirst volume elements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, specified above,should be manufactured from a first material with a first dielectricconstant, corresponding to a first printer ink, and the information thatthe second volume elements 2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u, specifiedabove, should be manufactured from a second material with a seconddielectric constant, corresponding to a second printer ink. From thedata, the processor or processors of the 3D printer calculate therespective location at which the respective printer ink should beplaced, the temperature and/or the UV light requirements and thecorresponding times to cure the placed printer ink for the purposes ofgenerating the respective volume element 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 t, 1 u, 2a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 t, 2 u.

FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment for the arrangement ofvolume elements of partial grids, displaced within one another inpenetrative fashion. In this exemplary embodiment, the overall grid isformed from four partial grids. The four partial grids comprise volumeelements of the first, second, third, and fourth volume element groups.The first partial grid, which is based on the hexagonal volume elements11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, the second partial grid, which is based in thehexagonal volume elements 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, the third partialgrid, which is based on the hexagonal volume elements 13 a, 13 b, andthe fourth partial grid, which is based on the hexagonal volume elements14 a, 14 b, have an identical shape in the present exemplary embodiment.The volumes of the hexagonal volume elements 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, 12a, 12 b, 12 c, 12 d, 13 a, 13 b, 14 a, 14 b are in the range of between1000 μm³ and 1 mm³.

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the first partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the volume elements 11 a,11 b, 11 c, 11 d in the present exemplary embodiment. Expresseddifferently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by the firstpartial grid, which is configured for vision at a first object distanceand through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposes of seeingan object arranged at this distance in focus in the case of intendeduse, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by the totalityof the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the volume elements 11 a,11 b, 11 c, 11 d. According to the disclosure, this surface region isbetween 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², moretypically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, even more typicallybetween 1 cm² and 4 cm².

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the second partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the volume elements 12 a,12 b, 12 c, 12 d in the present exemplary embodiment. Expresseddifferently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by the secondpartial grid, which is designed for vision at a second object distanceand through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposes of seeingan object arranged at this distance in focus in the case of intendeduse, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by the totalityof the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the volume elements 12 a,12 b, 12 c, 12 d. According to the disclosure, this surface region isbetween 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², moretypically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, even more typicallybetween 1 cm² and 4 cm².

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the third partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the volume elements 13 a,13 b in the present exemplary embodiment. Expressed differently, theregion of the spectacle lens defined by the third partial grid, which isdesigned for vision at a third object distance and through which thespectacle wearer gazes for the purposes of seeing an object arranged atthis distance in focus in the case of intended use, is determined in thepresent exemplary embodiment by the totality of the object-side (andeye-side) surfaces of the volume elements 13 a, 13 b. According to thedisclosure, this surface region is between 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typicallybetween 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and,finally, even more typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the fourth partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the volume elements 14 a,14 b in the present exemplary embodiment. Expressed differently, theregion of the spectacle lens defined by the fourth partial grid, whichis designed for vision at a fourth object distance and through which thespectacle wearer gazes for the purposes of seeing an object arranged atthis distance in focus in the case of intended use, is determined in thepresent exemplary embodiment by the totality of the object-side (andeye-side) surfaces of the volume elements 14 a, 14 b. According to thedisclosure, this surface region is between 0.3 cm² and 7 cm², typicallybetween 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8 cm² and 5 cm² and,finally, even more typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

From a macroscopic point of view, the surface region defined by thefirst partial grid, the surface region defined by the second partialgrid, the surface region defined by the third partial grid, and thesurface region defined by the fourth partial grid coincide, and so thereis no macroscopic separation between the part of the spectacle lensdesigned for the first object distance, the part of the spectacle lensdesigned for the second object distance, the part of the spectacle lensdesigned for the third object distance, and the part of the spectaclelens designed for the fourth object distance.

FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion. Thefirst partial grid, which is based on the volume elements 21 a, 21 b, 21c, 21 d . . . 21 x, 21 y, 21 z, comprises a cylindrical volume element21 a and a plurality of ring-segment-shaped volume elements 21 b, 21 c,21 d, . . . 21 x, 21 y, 21 z. The second partial grid only comprises aplurality of ring-segment-shaped volume elements 22 a, 22 b, 22 y, 22 z.Like the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, all volumeelements 21 b, 21 c, 21 d, . . . 21 x, 21 y, 21 z, 22 a, 22 b, 22 y, 22z are arranged in one plane.

FIG. 4 shows a third exemplary embodiment for the arrangement of twopartial grids formed by volume elements of the first and second volumeelement groups, displaced within one another in penetrative fashion.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first partial grid that isbased on the cuboid volume elements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 x, 1 y, 1 zand the second partial grid that is based on the cuboid volume elements2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 y, 2 z having an identical shape. Both partialgrids represent a sequence of three-dimensional cubic structures, therespective volume elements 21 b, 21 c, 21 d, . . . 21 x, 21 y, 21 z, 22a, 22 b, 22 y, 22 z of which are arranged adjacent to one another andwithin one another, penetrating one another in each case. Accordingly,the final grid comprises a plurality of layers of the type shown inFIG. 1. In the present case, let the surface 3 visible in FIG. 1 be thesurface facing the object in the case of an intended use of thespectacle lens, which is based on the structure shown in FIG. 1.Accordingly, the surface 4 that is not visible in FIG. 1 in that case isthe surface facing the eye of the spectacle wearer in the case of anintended use of the spectacle lens.

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the first partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the cuboid volume elements1 a, 1 b, 1 c . . . 1 x, 1 y, 1 z in the present exemplary embodiment.Expressed differently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by thefirst partial grid, which is designed for vision at a first objectdistance and through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposesof seeing an object arranged at this distance in focus in the case ofintended use, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by thetotality of the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the cuboid volumeelements 1 a, 1 b, 1 c (i.e., all blackened areas of the surface 3).According to the disclosure, this surface region is between 0.3 cm² and7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, even more typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

The part of the spectacle lens defined by the second partial grid isdetermined by the totality of the volumes of the cuboid volume elements2 a, 2 b, 2 c . . . 2 x, 2 y, 2 z in the present exemplary embodiment.Expressed differently, the region of the spectacle lens defined by thesecond partial grid, which is designed for vision at a second objectdistance and through which the spectacle wearer gazes for the purposesof seeing an object arranged at this distance in focus in the case ofintended use, is determined in the present exemplary embodiment by thetotality of the object-side (and eye-side) surfaces of the cuboid volumeelements 2 a, 2 b, 2 c (i.e., all white areas of the surface 3).According to the disclosure, this surface region is between 0.3 cm² and7 cm², typically between 0.5 cm² and 6 cm², more typically between 0.8cm² and 5 cm² and, finally, even more typically between 1 cm² and 4 cm².

From a macroscopic point of view, the surface region defined by thefirst partial grid (i.e., all blackened areas of the surface 3) and thesurface region defined by the second partial grid (i.e., all white areasof the surface 3) coincide, and so there is no macroscopic separationbetween the part of the spectacle lens designed for the first objectdistance and the part of the spectacle lens designed for the secondobject distance. In contrast to the conventional type of bifocal orvarifocal lens that is designed for a presbyopic wearer, near and farpart coincide from the macroscopic point of view.

Particularly in the case where the object-side and eye-side surfaces 3,4 of the first and second parts of the spectacle lens form planesurfaces, a design for different object distances can be realizedexclusively by a corresponding variation in the refractive index.Accordingly, GRIN structures that are nested in one another arerequired. Instead of or in addition to appropriately adapted refractiveindex variations, it is also possible to produce nested focal regionsusing volume elements, whose object-side and/or eye-side surfaces areembodied with the necessary curvature.

The structure shown in FIG. 4 represents a very complex system becausethe foci of the different materials influence one another again witheach layer. This structure is of interest if single vision lenses areconsidered. Then, these 3D checkerboard patterns could be used at theedge. Since 3D printers can only print in binary fashion, i.e., only oneor the other material, “smooth substance changes” must be realized bysufficiently small volume elements.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a fourth exemplary embodiment for the arrangementof two partial grids formed by volume elements of the first and secondvolume element groups, displaced within one another in penetrativefashion. FIG. 5A shows the basic arrangement of the volume elements 51a, 51 b, . . . 51 t, 51 u, 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, . . . 52 t, 52 u in thestyle of a checkerboard pattern, as described in detail above inrelation to FIG. 1. Deviating from the exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 1 (or optionally in addition thereto as well), in which theindividual volume elements are designed by the corresponding variationof the refractive index in such a way that fusing parts that facilitatein-focus vision for different object distances arise, volume elements 51a, 51 b, . . . 51 t, 51 u, 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, . . . 52 t, 52 u whoseobject-side surfaces (and optionally eye-side surfaces, too) havedifferent curvatures such that neighboring first and second volumeelements adjoin one another not continuously but at an angle andoptionally with jumps are included in the exemplary embodiment accordingto FIGS. 5A and 5B, wherein FIG. 5B shows a magnified illustration of ineach case one of the first and second volume elements 52 c and 52 i,which have object-side surfaces 53 c and 54 c that have a differentcurvature at the transition at which two neighboring first and secondvolume elements adjoin one another.

FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a spectacle lens 60 in aplan view from the object side in the form of a schematic sketch. Thevisible surface is denoted by the reference sign 63. The exemplaryembodiment has a region 61, which is embodied in the form according tothe disclosure. It is possible to see a nested arrangement of twopartial grids in the style of a checkerboard pattern, as shown inFIG. 1. Volume elements of the first partial grid are denoted inexemplary fashion by reference signs 61 a, 61 b and volume elements ofthe second partial grid are denoted in exemplary fashion by referencesigns 62 a, 62 b.

According to the disclosure, the region 61 is configured for in-focusvision at two different object distances.

FIG. 7 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a spectacle lens 70 incross section (schematic sketch). In this exemplary embodiment, theentire spectacle lens 70 includes a first volume element group with aplurality of first volume elements 71 a, 71 b, which are arranged in thestyle of grid points of a geometric grid, forming a first partial grid,and of a second volume element group with a plurality of second volumeelements 72 a, 72 b, which are arranged in the style of grid points of ageometric grid, forming a second partial grid. In principle, theexemplary embodiment corresponds to the arrangement of the two partialgrids in relation to one another as shown in FIG. 4.

Together, the first volume elements 71 a, 71 b form a first part of thespectacle lens, which has the dioptric power for vision at a firstobject distance. Together, the second volume elements form a second partof the spectacle lens, which has the dioptric power for vision at asecond object distance that differs from the first object distance.Since the first volume element group and the second volume element grouppenetrate one another, they form a common macroscopic viewing regionthat facilitates, firstly, in-focus vision of an object arranged at thefirst object distance d₁ and in-focus vision of an object arranged at asecond object distance d₂. The corresponding focal planes are denoted byreference signs 73 and 74 in the drawing.

FIG. 8 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a spectacle lens 80 incross section (as a schematic sketch). In this exemplary embodiment, thestructure 81 according to the disclosure is applied to the back side(eye side) 84 of a transparent carrier 85 in the form of a buriedstructure. The front side (object side) 83 of the spectacle lens 80 canhave a spherical, toric, rotationally symmetric aspherical, oraspherical shape (e.g., as a free-form surface).

A fourth exemplary embodiment of a spectacle lens 90 in cross section(in the form of a schematic sketch) can be gathered from FIG. 9. In thisexemplary embodiment, the structure 91 according to the disclosure isapplied to the front side (object side) 93 of a transparent carrier 95in the form of a buried structure. The back side (eye side) 94 of thespectacle lens 90 can have a spherical, toric, or aspherical shape(e.g., as a free-form surface).

Coatings, such as, for example, hard coats, antireflection coatings,lotus-effect-type coatings and the like, can be applied to one or bothoptically effective surfaces 83, 84, 93, 94 of the spectacle lenses 80,90.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a spectacle lens 102according to the disclosure in cross section in the form of a schematicsketch. In this exemplary embodiment, the structure 101 according to thedisclosure is applied to a part of the back side (eye side) 104 of atransparent carrier 105 in the form of a buried structure. The frontside (eye side) 103 of the spectacle lens 102 can have a spherical,toric, or aspherical shape (e.g., as a free-form surface). A smoothinghard coat 106 that also fills the interstices 106 a of the buriedstructure, an adhesion promoter layer 107, and an antireflection coating108 including a plurality of individual layers is applied to the buriedstructure 101.

Express reference is made herewith to the fact that structures 102 canalso be applied to the carrier 105 on both the front and the back.

An exemplary embodiment of spectacles 100 with spectacle lenses 110 a,110 b according to the disclosure can be gathered from FIG. 11. Inaddition to the two spectacle lenses 110 a, 110 b, the spectacles 100comprise a spectacle frame 120 of which the bridge 125, and the twotemples 130 a, 130 b are shown. Each spectacle lens 110 a, 110 bcomprises a carrier 66 a, 66 b, each of which carries a structure 61 a,61 b according to the disclosure of the type shown in FIG. 6. Allconstituent parts of the spectacles can be produced with the aid of a 3Dprinting method.

In summary, the concept of the disclosure includes constructing athree-dimensional structure using a manufacturing method (e.g., polyjetprinting) that allows controlling the dioptric power of the spectaclelens, in particular controlling the refractive index for each individualvolume element and the relative orientation of the surfaces of thevolume elements, the far and near regions of the three-dimensionalstructure being present nested in one another. The change from one focusto the next can be implemented gradually or with a jump. In the firstcase, small transition zones arise, the transition zones having similarproperties to the progression channel in the case of a conventionalvarifocal lens and the optical properties connected therewith. Secondly,the change in properties can be implemented with a jump by changing thematerial or changing the orientation of the optical surface.

The surface elements can be arranged as desired. By way of non-limitingexample, the surface elements can be arranged as a checkerboard, ashexagons, or as concentric circles.

In an exemplary embodiment, the discontinuous of the surfaces can beembodied as buried structures having two materials, which, firstly,substantially simplifies the subsequent hard and antireflection coating(it is possible to use conventional smoothing hard coat systems) and,secondly, the discontinuities of the surfaces do not form cavities forsubsequent accumulation of dirt on the surface.

This yields various combinations of optical surfaces:

-   -   two discontinuous surfaces on the front and back side,    -   one discontinuous surface on the front or back side, together        with a spherical, toric, or aspherical (free-form) surface on        the other side of the lens.

Which combination yields the ideal correction emerges from thecombination of the individual parameters (spherical, astigmatic,prismatic power, addition, etc.) with the possibilities of the differentsurface properties.

The hard coat must be set in such a way that the edges of the opticallyeffective surfaces are not smoothed or not smoothed any more than whatis absolutely unavoidable. If the change in the refractive power isprovided by way of the refractive index of the material, possiblearrangements can be found in the patent applications WO 2015/014381 A1and WO 2014/179780 A1. If the desired power difference (addition)between two or more surface elements is insufficient to obtain thedesired effect when only one of the two principles (material variationversus discontinuous surface) is applied, it is possible to combine thetwo approaches with one another.

The spectacle lens typically includes the conventional finishing, hardcoating, and antireflection coating. Transferring the approachesaccording to the disclosure to hybrid lenses lends itself as a possibleexemplary embodiment. A precondition is the availability of a preformedcarrier of the structure according to the disclosure that fits to thesurface of the spectacle lens.

Further aspects of the disclosure in the form of clauses within themeaning of decision J15/81 of the Legal Board of Appeal of the EuropeanPatent Office are presented below:

Clause 1. A spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b),comprising

a first volume element group, wherein the first volume element groupcomprises a plurality of first volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a,11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b), wherein theplurality of first volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . .; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) are arranged in the styleof grid points of a geometric grid so as to form a first partial grid,wherein the first volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ;51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) together form a first partof the spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b), the firstpart of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for vision at afirst object distance (d₁),

a second volume element group, wherein the second volume element groupcomprises a plurality of second volume elements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a,12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b), wherein theplurality of second volume elements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . .; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) are arranged in the styleof grid points of a geometric grid so as to form a second partial grid,wherein the second volume elements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . .; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) together form a secondpart of the spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 110 a, 110 b), the secondpart of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for vision at asecond object distance (d₂) that differs from the first object distance(d₁),

i) characterized in that

the first partial grid and the second partial grid are arranged withinone another, penetrating one another in each case.

Clause 2. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to clause 1, characterized in that the first volume elements(1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b;71 a, 71 b) consist of a first material and in that the second volumeelements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) consist of a second material that differs from thefirst material.

Clause 3. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to either of clauses 1 and 2, characterized in that the firstmaterial has a first refractive index and in that the second materialhas a second refractive index that differs from the first refractiveindex.

Clause 4. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that thefirst volume elements (51 a, 51 b, 51 i, 51 t, 51 u) each have a firstsurface element (54 c) and in that the second volume elements (52 a, 52b, 52 c, 52 t, 52 u) each have a second surface element (53 c) and inthat respectively one of the first surface elements (54 c) andrespectively one of the second surface elements (53 c), which adjoin oneanother, are arranged at an angle to one another.

Clause 5. The spectacle lens (60, 102, 110 a, 110 b) according to anyone of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the first partialgrid has a two-dimensional shape and/or in that the second partial gridhas a two-dimensional shape.

Clause 6. The spectacle lens (70, 80, 90) according to any one of thepreceding clauses, characterized in that the first partial grid has athree-dimensional shape and/or in that the second partial grid has athree-dimensional shape.

Clause 7. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that thefirst object distance (d₁) differs from the second object distance (d₂)by more than a value from the group of 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 50cm.

Clause 8. The spectacle lens (60, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b) accordingto any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the firstvolume element group and the second volume element group are arranged ona surface of a carrier (85, 95, 105, 66 a, 66 b).

Clause 9. The spectacle lens (60, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b) accordingto clause 8, characterized in that

the carrier (85) has an object-side spherical or toric or free-formsurface and in that the surface on which the first volume element groupand the second volume element group are arranged is the eye-side surfaceof the carrier (85), or in that

the carrier (95, 105) has an eye-side spherical or toric or free-formsurface and in that the surface (104) on which the first volume elementgroup and the second volume element group are arranged is theobject-side surface of the carrier (95, 105), or in that

the surface on which the first volume element group and the secondvolume element group are arranged is the eye-side and/or the object-sidesurface of the carrier.

Clause 10. The spectacle lens (60, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b) accordingto either of clauses 8 and 9, characterized in that the carrier (85, 95,105, 66 a, 66 b) has a refractive index gradient.

Clause 11. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that acoat (106, 106 a, 107, 108) is arranged on the first volume elementgroup and the second volume element group.

Clause 12. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that thefirst volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b,. . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) each have a volume of between 1000 μm³and 1 mm³ and/or in that the second volume elements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ;12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) eachhave a volume of between 1000 μm³ and 1 mm³.

Clause 13. The spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102, 110 a, 110 b)according to clause 12, characterized in that

the first volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 5b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) each have an object-side surface ofbetween 100 μm² and 1 mm² and/or in that the second volume elements (2a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72a, 72 b) each have an object-side surface of between 100 μm² and 1 mm²,and/or in that

the first volume elements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a,51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) each have an eye-side surface ofbetween 100 μm² and 1 mm² and/or in that the second volume elements (2a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72a, 72 b) each have an eye-side surface of between 100 μm² and 1 mm².

Clause 14. A method for producing a spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90, 102,110 a, 110 b), including the steps of:

additive manufacturing of a first volume element group, wherein thefirst volume element group comprises a plurality of first volumeelements (1 a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b), wherein the plurality of first volume elements (1a, 1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71a, 71 b) are arranged in the style of grid points of a geometric grid soas to form a first partial grid, wherein the first volume elements (1 a,1 b, . . . ; 11 a, 11 b, . . . ; 51 a, 51 b, . . . ; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a,71 b) together form a first part of the spectacle lens (60, 70, 80, 90,110 a, 110 b), the first part of the spectacle lens having the dioptricpower for vision at a first object distance (d₁),

additive manufacturing of a second volume element group, wherein thesecond volume element group comprises a plurality of second volumeelements (2 a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b), wherein the plurality of second volume elements (2a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72a, 72 b) are arranged in the style of grid points of a geometric grid soas to form a second partial grid, wherein the second volume elements (2a, 2 b, . . . ; 12 a, 12 b, . . . ; 52 a, 52 b, . . . ; 62 a, 62 b; 72a, 72 b) together form a second part of the spectacle lens (60, 70, 80,90, 110 a, 110 b), the second part of the spectacle lens having thedioptric power for vision at a second object distance (d₂) that differsfrom the first object distance (d₁),

i) characterized in that

-   -   the first partial grid and the second partial grid are arranged        within one another, penetrating one another in each case, during        the additive manufacturing.

Clause 15. The method according to clause 14, characterized by the stepof:

additive manufacturing of a carrier (66 a, 66 b) with a surface (104),on which the first volume element group and the second volume elementgroup are arranged.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosureillustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, thedisclosure shows and describes only the exemplary embodiments but, asmentioned above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is capableof use in various other combinations, modifications, and environmentsand is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of theconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachingsand/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art.

The term “comprising” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein isused in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including” and not in theexclusive sense of “consisting only of.” The terms “a” and “the” as usedherein are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference, and for any and allpurposes, as if each individual publication, patent or patentapplication were specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference. In the case of inconsistencies, the presentdisclosure will prevail.

1. A method for producing a spectacle lens, the method comprising:arranging a plurality of first volume elements by additive manufacturingon grid points of a geometric grid to form a first partial grid, theplurality of first volume elements forming a first part of a spectaclelens having a dioptric power for vision at a first object distance;arranging a plurality of second volume elements by additivemanufacturing on the grid points of the geometric grid to form a secondpartial grid, the plurality of second volume elements forming a secondpart of the spectacle lens having the dioptric power for vision at asecond object distance that differs from the first object distance; andinterspersing the plurality of first volume elements and the pluralityof second volume elements during the additive manufacturing to arrangethe first partial grid and the second partial grid penetrating eachother, respectively.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: arranging the plurality of first volume elements and theplurality of second volume elements on a surface of a carrier during theadditive manufacturing. 3-19. (canceled)